Growing up, Gaining Perspective, and Learning to Lead in the Haworth College of Business
Joseph Haiduc hiking the Western Ghats Mountains in Kerala, India, during his study abroad trip.
Joseph Haiduc would describe himself as driven, honest and hardworking. As a senior studying management, he has plenty of anecdotes about growing up and learning to lead during his time in the Haworth College of Business. We asked Haiduc to share with us how his college experience has impacted him and what he plans for the future.
How the Haworth College of Business fosters growth
My college experience has helped me grow professionally in so many different ways. I now feel confident and ready to start my career after graduation. The classes that were required for my major and being involved on campus both helped me grow professionally. I am appreciative of all that I have learned, and I will always cherish my time at the Haworth College of Business.
I have also grown a lot personally. During my time in the Haworth College of Business, I have met many people and made many friends. When I first arrived here, I was very shy and mostly kept to myself. I am no longer that person. I am now outgoing and like to laugh and have fun with others. My college experiences have helped shape me into the person I am today.
The experience that helped me to grow the most was my study abroad trip. I spent two weeks in India with Dr. Tim Palmer and other students from the Haworth College of Business and the College of Health and Human Services. I was nervous about this trip because I have never been outside of the United States, but it ended up being the best experience I have ever had. I learned a lot about myself and the world and made friendships that will last a lifetime.
This trip made me realize that I want to be able to help those in need and give back to the communities around me. Because of this experience, I now want to work for an employer who shares these values. As I am beginning to look into companies where I may start my career, I research what they are doing to give back to the communities in which they operate.
On evolving from manager to leader
Before coming to Western Michigan University, I was in a management role, but my time here has taught me how to become a leader. A leader is someone who says “Let’s do this” and a manager is someone who says “Go do this.” I want to motivate and influence those I work with and be someone who my co-workers can look up to. I want to be a leader and help others around me succeed.
On how to get the most from your college experience
The best years of my life have been spent at the Haworth College of Business. I met some of the greatest people and have made lasting friendships. Getting involved on campus and doing activities outside of classes is the best way to get the most out of your college experience. The best advice I could give is to be involved. Join registered student organizations, play intramural sports and study abroad if possible. Being involved can help in finding a job after graduation so much easier. Most of these experiences can be put on your resume or talked about during interviews putting you at an advantage.
The professors are one of my greatest resources—everyone is here to help. When I first came to the Haworth College of Business, I thought that it would be hard to get help from professors because there are so many students, but I quickly found out I was wrong. Talk to your professors and ask for advice when you need it.
What the future holds
The type of culture that I am looking for in my future place of employment relates back to my leadership style. I want a culture in which those in upper management are looked up to as people who can help and answer questions. I want an environment where management motivates their employees to help them succeed rather than a place where employees are afraid to ask questions or make mistakes.
Beyond the internal culture, it is also important to me that I work for a company that is socially responsible. My trip to India helped me realize that I want to help those in need so I want to work for a company that gives back.
I am not entirely sure of what my future holds. I learned that being unsure of your future does not have to be scary. Even though I do not yet know where I am headed, I am confident I will find a career in which I will be happy.